#Diversify Your Bookshelf

[bdapublishing]

✨Welcome to our fringe fiction dreamland✨ Dive into our Manuscript Wishlist with us!

We are currently about a week into our open call for fringe BIPOC stories, and we wanted to post a little about the kinds of manuscripts we’re looking for. From now until JUNE 30, BIPOC authors are encouraged to submit all their wildest, truest, weirdest stories. Don’t sell yourself short, no idea is too fringe. 🍄

Swipe through for our ever-expanding list of genres/themes/narratives we wanna see! The BDA team has also contributed their own dream BDA manuscript to help paint the picture even more. 🖖

Got a story that defies genre, shatters expectations, or breaks molds? Gimme, gimme!!! Diversify publishing with us as we seek to amplify marginalized voices in publishing.

[twobyflor]

“The boy AF had accepted this, even though other passers-by would see and conclude he wasn’t loved by the girl.”

[afropuffsartstudios]

BOOK SPOTLIGHT 📖

Book Review Coming Soon...

[mysteriesbooks]

there’s a reason a huge chunk of books that are being banned across schools and libraries across the US are stories from POC and queer folks: people are afraid of how much empathy younger folks are developing for their peers. Even when those peers don’t look like them. And that scares people

so remember to piss off a boomer lawmaker- and pick up a book with someone who doesn’t look like you 

(and maybe check out my lil silly design) 

[imissthembutitwasntadisaster]

.

[bookaddict24-7]

2024 Reading Goals!

I'm always a bit more lax with my reading goals because I never really know how a year is going to treat me--the last thing I need is stress over my reading (which is admittedly my biggest escape from life). BUT with that being said, making some goals that aren't set in stone is always a fun exercise!

Eleven Reading Goals I'd Like to Achieve in 2024:

Read at least 250 books. (I listen to a lot of audiobooks, so this isn't usually a major stress factor. Even if I wanted to read less, my reading addiction wouldn't really allow it. When I'm not reading, I'm thinking about reading. It's just who I am. BUT keep in mind that this is my goal based on my reading habits. everyone has a different reading habit!)

Finish, or nearly finish the Sookie Stackhouse series. (Of course, this is super dependant on when I get the audiobooks from the library LOL.)

Finish the books on my desk. (I have...a few started books on here. It's cluttering up the space and I feel like I just really want to read them but I'm a mood reader, so...)

(Fourth Wing is a re-read that I was annotating and dropped when something new came out and my attention was stolen away.)

4. Read a few books from each bookshelf of my bedroom. (I already went through the shelves last week and assigned myself a handful of books or so from each shelf for each month of 2024. I just want to specifically target some of the books on my shelves to encourage myself to read more of my owned books. Maybe I should share that progress on here to keep myself accountable. Hm...)

5. Continue to DNF books I don't like. (This is a practice I've been using for the last couple of years, but I also want to remind anyone reading this that it is OK to put down that book you're not vibing with. Life is too short.)

6. Read more formats, not just audiobooks. (I LOVE audiobooks and owe them so much. But I also do sometimes miss having the attention span to read physically. I read a lot more physical books in November & December and I loved it. Also, I pay for KU, so I might as well use it more in 2024.)

7. Try to buy less books. (Seriously, I've gone off the deep end in the last four months. I need to rein it back in. Maybe I should keep a monthly track of it to remind myself not to do the book buying thing as much.)

8. Diversify my reading even more. (Pretty self-explanatory, I think.)

9. Continue to review every book I read this year. (I've been doing this for the past couple of years and it has felt both a bit overwhelming and super rewarding. I love that I can look back on these last few years and read my opinion of whatever books I read during those years.)

10. Unhaul more books. (Life is too short and my shelves are too full to keep books I felt meh about, or don't think I need. Trust me: the first unhaul is the hardest, but after that, it's a little too easy to unhaul books.)

11. Read more of my ARCs. (They are currently staring at me from their designated shelves. I WILL read my very old ARCs at some point in my life, hopefully some will be in 2024.)

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What are some of your goals for 2024?

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Thank you for being with me throughout another year of book blogging and post sharing! I hope everyone has a fantastic year full of reading and good health!

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Happy reading!

[llycaons]

tagged by @yanqings and @neixins (thank you!!) to make a poll for my favorite characters! these tend to ebb and flow as the years go by so I shall do my best. so! cherished mutuals and followers - please vote for your choice!

damn I really had to visit my own blog to remind myself who my faves are and then look at my media list AND my real life bookshelf to help....ngl I am really bad at picking favorites. these could all be cql characters but I wanted to diversify. oof, picking between wx is always hard. and I had to cut tain hu 😭 I am so sorry my love. also these aren't in order

tagging! @wutheringheightsfilm @torsamors @tothepond @dragonji @harrykim @trans-xianxian @lesbianstorm and anyone else who sees this and wants to do it!!

[supposedlysecretlysapphic]

Love queer books of all genres? Looking to diversify your bookshelf? Then head to www.queeryourbookshelf.com where you can find 300+ queer ebooks discounted, and this includes all worldwide territories!

[leonardcohenofficial]

that bookshelf red flag post is so funny to me because my extremely basic rule on pretty much all media is the same; if you can’t name five black women creators whose work in a given field or medium you enjoy, you have not done enough work on legitimately diversifying your tastes

[loveisbraveandwild]

bestie i just read your reading list and …… any suggestions how to read more? i have read only 3 books this year :(

omg 3 is a LOT! i work in a bookstore and read their and abt 5 more hrs a day because i have no social life lol but my point is i do books for a living! most of my friends read 12-20 books this year and ur right on track! here’s some advice i hope is helpful! if others want to share their thoughts, pls do

1. i just got a kindle and obsessed and knocking books out left and right!

2. use ur library and dnf books u rnt feeling within ~50 pages! it takes me 3x as long to get through a book i dont love and its hard to motivate myself to sit down and open it. i put this w/using libraries because it makes it guiltless to dnf! i used to buy books and felt like i was wasting $20 if i stopped! now i have a list of the books ive read i want to own and am curating my bookshelf:)

3. join book clubs! my gf has joined 3 since meeting me and reads abt a book a week now, where before they were reading 1 a month. this might contradict dnfing books u dont love but will motivate u to find out the genres u like and step out of ur comfort zone

4. audiobooks! if you can do it, they count and anyone who says they dont is lying! a lot of ppl i know cant do audiobooks; i can only do them for memoirs (where i feel like km listening to a podcast). i recommend libby (free) or libro.fm (ethical alternative to amazon).

5. join storygraph!! it helps u track ur reading and u can put in annual page and book goals and tells u if uve fallen behind! it motivates me to stay on stop of my goal, i want to see my stats grow and diversify, and im lowkey competitive so seeing my friends read im like I WANNA READ TOO

6. find friends who read! nothing like getting a book rec from them! and nothing like sharing ur thoughts abt a book with them! or recommending to them! i love my bookish community and they inspire me to read diversely every day

7. white noise! something ive started doing when reading is putting in headphones and playing white noise. reading gets me out of my head and this does too. i can just focus on the words on the device and i feel like im in my enclosure!

8. invest in a good reading spot in ur home. if u can find a place that works for u, whether it be ur bed, couch, or a reading nook. commit to sitting there for 20-30 minutes a day with ur device on the other side of the room! if u read 30 mins/day u’ll likely finish a book abt every 2 weeks!

9. turn to your book, not ur phone. have 10 minutes of downtime? grab ur book, not social media. these minutes add up and u’ll find u’ll want to pick ur book up more as u get in the habit. especially before bed or first thing in the morning! or if u watch youtube when u eat alone, read instead:)

10. take time picking a book! a lot of my non-bookish friends think they can just pick up any book on the shelf, but as i said in 2. if u dont like the book, u wont read it. do research! if theres an identity you want a main character to have so its relatable, find it! if u know u like YA books, browse that section of ur library. this is also why storygraph is so great- it recommends based off taste and a personalized algorithm! theres also a lot of quizzes and lists (bookriot i recommend) to find books! it takes time to find ur book preferences, but once u do, it will be easier to feel success in reading!

[twobyflor]

What are you currently reading, and how do you feel about it?

I couldn't decide which book club to focus on, so I joined them all.

[pagebypagereviews]

20 Books to Add to Your 2024 Reading List As we approach 2024, the literary world is buzzing with anticipation for the new voices and compelling narratives that promise to captivate, challenge, and change us. From groundbreaking fiction to insightful non-fiction, the upcoming year is set to offer a treasure trove of literary gems. Whether you're a voracious reader seeking to diversify your bookshelf or someone looking to reignite your love for reading, this curated list of 20 books is designed to guide you through a year of remarkable stories and transformative ideas. Fiction Favorites The realm of fiction in 2024 is as diverse as it is captivating, featuring a mix of debut authors and established writers who continue to push the boundaries of storytelling. Here are some must-reads: "The Echoes of Aether" by Amara Faye - A spellbinding fantasy that explores the power of memory and the price of immortality. "Bridges and Bones" by Samuel Parkes - An intricate family saga that spans generations, uncovering secrets buried deep within the heart of London. "The Last Lightkeeper" by Elena M. Reyes - A post-apocalyptic tale of survival and hope, set against the backdrop of a world reclaimed by nature. "Threads of Time" by Raj Patel - A science fiction masterpiece that questions the ethics of time travel in the face of historical injustices. "Whispers in the Dark" by Lina Nguyen - A gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of the human psyche. Non-Fiction Nuggets For those who seek to understand the world around them, these non-fiction titles offer profound insights into various facets of human experience and knowledge: "The Age of Adaptation" by Dr. Clara Mead - An exploration of how humanity can navigate the challenges posed by climate change, with a focus on innovative solutions. "Digital Souls: Our Lives in the Virtual Age" by Marcus Yi - A thought-provoking analysis of how technology shapes our identities, relationships, and societies. "Echoes of Equality" by Priya Joshi - A compelling examination of the ongoing struggle for equality across different cultures and eras. "Mind Matters: The Science of Mental Health" by Dr. Alex Harmon - A groundbreaking look at mental health, debunking myths and presenting the latest research. "The Art of Resilience" by Gabriela Hernandez - Inspirational stories of individuals who have overcome adversity, offering lessons on resilience and perseverance. Biographies and Memoirs These biographies and memoirs provide a window into the lives of remarkable individuals, offering inspiration and insight through their experiences and achievements: "In the Shadow of Giants" by Michael O'Sullivan - The untold story of the unsung heroes behind some of history's greatest discoveries. "Running Wild: The Journey of a Maverick" by Fiona Li - The memoir of an entrepreneur who defied the odds to build a business empire. "Voices from the Silence" by Amina Rashid - A powerful collection of stories from survivors of conflict zones around the world. "The Innovator's Path" by Lucas Grant - A biography of one of the 21st century's most influential tech pioneers, exploring their journey to innovation. "Unbroken Spirit: The True Story of a Climber's Survival" by Sarah Jensen - An awe-inspiring account of resilience and survival in the face of extreme adversity. Poetry and Short Stories For those who find beauty in brevity, this selection of poetry and short stories promises to enchant and provoke thought with every line: "Whispers of the Wind" by Omar Khayyam - A collection of poignant poems that explore love, loss, and the transient nature of life. "Tales from the Edge" by Various Authors - An anthology of short stories that push the boundaries of imagination, curated from writers around the globe. "The Colors of Grief" by Janine Lee - A deeply moving collection of poems that navigate the complex landscape of loss and healing. "Moments of Clarity" by Ethan Moore - Short stories that illuminate the extraordinary moments hidden within ordinary lives.

"Echoes of the Heart" by Sofia Alvarez - A compilation of romantic and reflective poems that speak to the soul. Conclusion The books listed above represent just a fraction of the incredible literary works set to be released in 2024. Each title promises not only to entertain but also to enlighten, offering new perspectives and sparking conversations that can lead to real-world change. As we compile our reading lists for the upcoming year, let's embrace the diversity of voices and stories that the literary world has to offer. Whether you're drawn to the imaginative realms of fiction or the thought-provoking truths of non-fiction, there's something on this list for everyone. Happy reading!

[mysteriesbooks]

an unfortunate reminder that book bannings are up almost 500% across the US. and most of those bans target books with queer content or stories written by POC  (sticker and such here) 

[boab-metals]

How to find the best silver stocks on the ASX for your investment strategy

Silver has been a currency store and investment vehicle for over 4,000 years. During periods of market volatility like we’re currently experiencing, many investors turn to precious metals like gold, silver and platinum.

Precious metals tend to represent stability in fluctuating stock markets. But there’s one big question:

What is the best way to invest in silver?

Should you stock up on silver bullion? Buy shares in ASX-listed silver mining companies? Invest in an ETF that includes small-cap mining stocks?

The answer, of course, is “it depends”. It depends on your risk appetite, reasons for investing, financial goals and personal preferences.

Disclaimer: This is not investment advice, and Boab Metals Limited (ASX: BML) is not in a position to advise on specific investment strategies or stocks. Instead, we’ll outline your options for investing in silver so you can have a more informed conversation with a financial advisor.

Four strategies for investing in silver1. Physical silver

Owning silver is physically, emotionally, and (hopefully) financially rewarding. Investment-grade silver is 99.9% pure. It typically comes in the form of coins or bullion bars, which are stored away and exchanged for cash in the future.

Considerations for owning silver bullion and coins

Control: Owning a physical asset means you retain direct control. Unlike shares, which can change form or function (although they rarely do), nobody’s touching your silver bullion but you.

Storage: Safe storage often comes with brokerage and maintenance costs. Although a premium silver bullion would be a nice bookshelf decoration, you’ll need to figure out a long-term safekeeping solution.

Quality: Buying silver bullion from untrustworthy sources is incredibly risky. In contrast, bullion merchants like The Perth Mint have government-issued licences and their own production facilities.

2. ETFs with silver in the portfolio

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a great introduction to investing or a strategy to diversify your portfolio.

ETFs are pooled funds that spread your investment, along with the investments of others, across a bundle of assets. When it comes to investing in silver, there are two ways ETFs might work:

ETFs that own silver

Some exchange-traded funds buy physical silver. Part of your investment will be used for bullion, which means you benefit if the price goes up and minimise risk if the price falls.

ETFs that own silver mining stocks

Rather than putting all your money into one or two companies, the ETF might include small-cap mining stocks in a diversified portfolio.

3. Silver stocks on the ASX

Buying shares is the most straightforward way to invest in silver companies on the ASX.

Unlike owning physical silver, shares give you a stake in the company’s future performance. That means the share’s value is not solely tied to the silver spot price. Instead, you’re betting that the company will continue growing.

Considerations for investing in silver mining companies

Diversification: If the silver mining company is stable, diversified and growing, you could see above-average returns on your investment. For example, Boab Metals is a lead-silver mine developer with a joint venture agreement with China’s largest silver metal producer and plans to grow our project portfolio.

Other forces at work: Like any resources company, silver miners are subject to political, societal, environmental and governance risks (and opportunities) that have nothing to do with the price of silver.

Control over your investment: Buying shares directly rather than investing in an ETF gives you more control over your money, in theory. You can sell your shares, buy more, and make your voice heard at AGMs.

4. Silver as a hedge

When markets face inflationary pressures, some private and institutional investors use precious metals to hedge their investments.

“Hedging” refers to staking your investment on a future price. You agree to pay today’s price for a deliverable that won’t come for some time. In this case, that’s physical silver.

Hedging, also known as buying silver futures, is a complex investment strategy. It’s better suited to sophisticated traders with large accounts and mature risk strategies.

Considerations for hedging silver

No storage costs: Hedging exposes you to the same risks and rewards as owning physical silver. You pay today’s prices and benefit when the price goes up. However, you’re not burdened by storage fees in the meantime.

It works both ways: Investing in future amplifies your win and loss potential. Hopefully, the price goes up. But if it doesn’t, you risk the need to top up your position or lose your initial investment.

Spot or stay: Hedging can be used by day traders and long-term investors alike. You can gamble on today’s spot price or purchase futures for, well, the future.

The risks of investing in silver

Silver is often seen as the second precious metal after gold.

Much of that also-ran reputation comes from history. In the last 100 years, silver prices have fluctuated over short periods, often with no traceable cause.

But we believe that’s changing.

Silver is a crucial component in Australia’s green energy future. It is used in EV batteries, solar PV panels, sensors, circuits, and a long list of industrial applications. These could stabilise the price of silver above $30 USD per ounce in the coming years.

That said, any investment bears inherent risks. Some of these we’ve outlined above, such as betting on future spot prices or buying counterfeit bullion.

Other risks include:

Price fluctuations: Precious metal prices fluctuate in response to global events and market drivers, some of which are invisible until they’ve come and gone. Silver has been subject to spot price fluctuations in the past.

Silver mining company performance: Investing in small-cap mining stocks involves trust and market knowledge. It’s prudent to research any company before investing.

Alternative materials: Silver’s unmatched conductivity and high malleability make it a sought-after industrial metal. So far, there is no feasible replacement for silver. But that doesn’t mean there will never be alternative materials.

The silver mining stock to watch in 2023

Boab Metals Limited (ASX: BML) is on track to start construction at our Sorby Hills Project in the Kimberley in 2023.

We believe it’s going to be an exciting ride. If you’re interested in learning more about Boab Metals Limited or the Sorby Hills Project, here are some links to get started:

About Sorby Hills

The Boab Metals story

Information for investors

Joint venture partners

News and updates

[thisblackwitch]

My book “Dreamer” is out! Available in Print, E-book and Audiobook

My book is out, yay! Please go buy it! Dreamer is a YA/New Adult dark fantasy horror novella that has a Black-led, BIPoC cast of characters, including queer. Available in print, ebook and audiobook. You can hear and read a sample of Dreamer here. 

Cover is made by @artofedge , the book is narrated by Soraya Butler, edited by @sirenofthetimes​

I’m a Black, demi/ace independent author so yay, moar diverse works!

“Vera has quite unusual dreams. Whatever she dreams, affects her in real life. All is fine until one day, she sees something she thought she could handle – instead, she’s plagued with a reoccurring nightmare, haunted and tracked by The Hunter. Now she worries she may never wake up again.”

Buy a Copy Now!